Chapter 155: Grand General King of Pacifying the Distant

Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang heard the words, lowered his head slightly, and showed no sign of joy or anger on his face.

Fourteenth Prince Yinti's eyes flickered; he glanced at Yin Pillow, then at Eighth Prince Yinsi.

Emperor Kangxi was silent for a moment, neither approving nor opposing.

Instead, he turned to Fourteenth Prince Yinti and asked:

"Elder Fourteenth, you also heard Fourth Prince's words; do you think what he said is reasonable?"

Fourteenth Prince Yinti stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and said:

"Fourth brother's words are sound, but I, your son, think that if I lead the troops, Karaka and Kuerqin would not dare to harbor dissent!"

Kangxi's face was as still as water, and he asked:

"Do you think you are more suitable than Thirteenth Prince to serve as Grand General King?"

Fourteenth Prince Yinti stiffened his neck and said:

"Your Majesty, in single combat I am not afraid of Thirteenth brother! In marching and formation I consider myself not inferior either."

"As for who is more suitable to become Grand General King, that rests on Your Majesty's divine insight; I cannot answer…"

Kangxi ignored him, then turned to Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang and asked:

"Elder Thirteenth, your Fourth brother recommended you; what do you say?"

Thirteenth Prince stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and spoke loudly:

"Your son is willing to share Your Majesty's worries! If granted Your Majesty's trust, I will exert my utmost, not failing the entrusted task!"

Kangxi nodded and said:

"If you are appointed Grand General King, how do you intend to fight?"

Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang thought for a moment, then said gravely:

"I have three strategies: First, a gradual advance; although Hunxie and Northern Yuan have allied with our dynasty, they still each harbor hidden intentions."

"After I reach the northwest, I will first stabilize both sides, not rush to battle, and wait until they clash with the Da Han Empire, then proceed cautiously!"

"Second, wear down the enemy; this battle does not seek swift victory, only plunder and destruction."

"For each captured location, we take only supplies, burn the Han Army's fields and towns, kill the prime soldiers, leave the old and weak to hinder the Han Army, and when the Han Army's provisions are exhausted and troops fatigued, strike with elite forces!"

"Third, share the spoils; regardless of how much gold and silver we obtain, we prioritize Hunxie and Northern Yuan."

"Most of the war booty will be given to them, allowing them to gain profit; after they see the benefits of invading the Han and the sincerity of our Great Qing, they will naturally seek to fight the Han Army on their own."

Kangxi listened, and finally a look of satisfaction appeared in his eyes.

"Good! This is my good son!"

Kangxi rose, walked to the carriage, turned his back to the crowd, and said slowly:

"Elder Thirteenth's military strategy, knowledge of the Mongols, courage and wit; my mind is made up…"

He turned, his gaze like lightning:

"I hereby confer upon Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang the title of Grand General King of Pacifying the Distant, appointing him Governor of the Northwestern campaigns, to command the troops under the Mongol vassals, and to begin preparations for expedition today."

When Kangxi spoke, the princes in the hall showed varied expressions, but none dared to voice opposition.

Thirteenth Prince Yinxiang knelt and bowed his head, saying:

"Your son receives the command, will exhaust my humble abilities, not failing Your Majesty's trust!"

Kangxi paused, then admonished Yinxiang:

"You understand the importance of this war; you must be doubly careful, draw lessons from the last Great Prince's experience, and report the military situation promptly as it develops."

"The Han Dynasty emperor places great trust in the minister Jia Jing; this time he may send him to the northwest, his martial prowess is extraordinary, his strategy surpasses others, you must be cautious of him…"

"But do not overly fear him; the times have changed, and individual martial skill no longer decides the outcome of war."

Kangxi naturally investigated thoroughly the reasons for the last Great Prince's defeat.

From his investigation, he concluded that the defeat was due to:

On one hand, a heavy cavalry unit of the Han Dynasty that emerged from nowhere played a crucial role.

On the other hand, Jia Jing's personal martial prowess was outstanding, and he was quite knowledgeable about warfare.

Of course, he does not believe the overly exaggerated claims about Jia Jing's strength.

The notion that a single person could smash a city gate is sheer fantasy, impossible for human strength, and no such person has ever existed.

Moreover, in the battle of Jizhou City, few Qing forces escaped, so Kangxi concluded that the Han side was inflating the story; they have always liked such fanciful rumors, which are unrealistic.

Thirteenth Prince, hearing this, replied again:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, our Great Qing warriors fear no one!"

Kangxi nodded and added:

"Elder Fourth!"

Fourth Prince Yin Pillow stepped forward and said:

"Your son is here!"

Kangxi said:

"You have overseen the Ministry of Revenue for years; the logistics of supplies are now yours. For this northwest and Liaodong campaign, you will coordinate all provisions, ensuring the front lines never lack funds or food."

Yin Pillow bowed and replied:

"Your son obeys the decree! I will exert my utmost to ensure the front‑line troops have no worries behind them."

Kangxi again addressed Long Kedo beside him:

"Long Kedo, you are brave and skilled in battle, familiar with northwest military affairs; this time you will serve as Deputy General to Thirteenth Prince, and be conferred the title of Valiant General to assist him."

"If this war is won, I will not hesitate to grant you a marquisate as reward."

Long Kedo stepped forward, his face animated, bowed and said:

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty's heavenly grace, and swears to repay with my life!"

Kangxi once again made arrangements for the matters before the battle, and then ordered the princes and ministers to withdraw.

The princes withdrew from the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, and Lao Shi, on behalf of Ba A Ge Yinsi, who could not obtain the Grand General Wang position, was indignant and shouted:

"On what grounds is Lao Shisan appointed Grand General Wang? In what way is Ba Ge inferior to him? He is nothing but a dog of the Crown Prince!"

Ba A Ge Yinsi said calmly:

"Brother Ten, stop speaking; Huang Ama is wise and sagacious, and has his own divine judgment."

Jiu A Ge Yintang also said softly:

"On what grounds? I think the old man has also lost his mind!"

The next morning at dawn, Jia Jing rose early, and first practiced spear technique in the courtyard for half an hour.

Then, after bathing and changing under Xiangling's attendance, he sat in his room and perused the letters that Qin Keqing had had sent over that morning.

Jia Jing glanced at them; the arguments were detailed, the sentiments sincere, and there was no problem.

He then summoned his personal guards, gave them instructions, and sent them today to Xuanzhen Guan to meet Jia Jing and handle the matter.

He himself today intends to host a banquet for several military nobles of the founding lineage, to unify consensus on the northwestern war affairs.

Then he will immediately return to Bashang Daying to take command, leaving these household matters to be handled by his subordinates.

Just after finishing that matter, Xiangling and Xiaohong brought the morning meal in, and placed it gently on the table:

A large bowl of broken‑rice porridge, dozens of steamed buns, a few side dishes, and a big bowl of braised meat.

The two set out the bowls and chopsticks, stood with hands lowered beside them, waiting to serve.

Perhaps due to a change in his constitution, Jia Jing's appetite has also greatly increased, and he can eat several times the amount others do in one meal.

"Have you all eaten yet? What about Xiao Jiaoer?" Jia Jing asked as he walked to the table to start his meal.

"Not yet! After Grandfather has eaten, we will go eat. Xiao Jiaoer is still asleep; it's still early, so I didn't wake her up," Xiangling answered softly.

Jia Jing glanced at her fresh and beautiful face and said:

"Hmm! She's a child still growing, let her sleep a bit longer. You both go eat as well; I don't need you waiting here for me."

The two shook their heads and said:

"After Grandfather has eaten, we are not in a hurry."

After speaking, Xiaohong, as if recalling something, said:

"Grandfather, just now I saw Yuan Yang Jiejie outside, carrying a person with a bundle toward our courtyard; it seemed she was looking for the Marquis."